CINEMA: Flashbacks of a Fool

Daniel Craig is asking for trouble. After moaning that all anyone talks about is that Speedos scene in Casino Royale, you’d have thought that the last thing he’d have done was strip naked and engage in a raunchy sex scene within the first two minutes of his new film, Flashbacks of a Fool.

But, believe it or not, this is actually the perfect set-up to introduce the character of Joe Scot, a drug addict and alcoholic with a movie career on its last legs. The scene, to the strains of Scott Walker’s Sons Of, sets the tone for the movie – which is essentially in three parts. It is partly a satirical look at the superficiality of Hollywood, but a personal tragedy compels Joe to reflect on how he ended up where he is and seek redemption before he completely fails, not only in his career, but as a human being.

What makes this film successful is the acting talent assembled to bring Joe’s story to life. Harry Eden is mesmerising as the young Joe and Jodhi May is fantastic as Evelyn, the older woman who seduces Joe.

Major British talent, like Emilia Fox, Keeley Hawes and Mark Strong have lined up for small roles that add so much to Joe’s story and every supporting actor makes their mark. Daniel Craig is utterly convincing as the adult Joe, washed-up and self-obsessed until his rude awakening.

But the film is not without its flaws. The dialogue drags in places and the return to the present, from Joe’s flashback, seems a little twee, in comparison to the black humour of the beginning. But the film has plenty of moments – both hilarious and tragic – that lift it away from mediocrity and, again, the strength of the cast and how well they work together is at the core of Flashbacks’ brilliance.

Overall, this is a great film that pulls no punches, with a fantastic soundtrack that strongly brings Joe’s memories to life in a really visceral way, and reminds us that there is much more to Daniel Craig than swimwear and a tux. Well worth seeing.       Louise Steggals

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Read our interview with Daniel Craig and director Baillie Walsh here.